World Mental Health Day (10 Oct) is a day to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. It is also a day to let people know that it’s okay to ask for help, no matter what you’re going through.
This is especially true for most of our clients, who may be experiencing the most stressful time imaginable, going through family breakdown, or having disputes over their children, or experiencing local authority intervention with their children.
This is an added stress. It can be very easy for clients to neglect their own mental health and feel overwhelmed by what is going on and feel helpless. Some may have escaped an abusive partner; some may not have supportive extended family to lean on.
Experiencing significant changes and increased stresses, means it is even more important to look after ourselves, and to manage our mental health.
BH&O have links with some experienced counsellors and they are often able to help our clients through these difficult times, and help them to focus on the financial, legal and practical consequences of their family dispute or difficulty.
Our team have seen a huge increase in the number of clients, both adults and young people, presenting with anxiety and stress. For many, the periods of social isolation during the pandemic may have exacerbated the problem. Long periods of too much ‘thinking time’ may have exaggerated problems, at a time when there has been a difficulty in accessing help, whether that is from friends or family or professionals. Now that things have returned to ‘normal’, that can heighten stress and anxiety.
Long NHS waiting lists have not helped. Small issues can grow and become frightening or overwhelming and lead to a feeling of helplessness.
It’s really easy to withdraw, and try and avoid dealings with things. It’s really important to check on our families, friends or colleagues, and not be put off by any reluctance to talk. Be willing to just listen with no judgement. Ask if they are ok. And then ask if they are really ok.
| Organisation | Who can call? | What times? | Phone number: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samaritans | Anyone | 24 / 7 | 116 123 |
| NHS 111 | Anyone | 24 / 7 | 111 |
| SANEline | Anyone | 4:30pm – 10:30 pm | 0300 304 7000 |
| The Mix | Under 25s | Sunday – Friday 2pm – 11pm | 08088 4994 |
| Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) | Those that identify as male | 5pm – midnight | 0800 58 58 58 |
| Switchboard | LGBTQ+ | 10am – 10pm | 0300 330 0630 |
| The Abingdon Bridge | Young people aged between 13 and 25 | 10am to 6pm | 01235 522375 |
To those experiencing relationship and family breakdown, BH&O can offer both legal and emotional support, as our lawyers can refer you to one of our linked counsellors.
Please contact us on 01235 425500 or info@bholegal.co.uk for more information.
